England’s World Cup campaign opened in a thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran in Doha to equal their biggest-ever World Cup win.
The game was played out against the backdrop of more off-field controversy here in Qatar after England were forced to ditch plans to wear the OneLove armband promoting diversity and inclusivity under threat from Fifa of players being cautioned should they carry out the gesture of support.
Gareth Southgate’s side strolled to victory, with Iran’s hopeless plight made worse by the early loss of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to concussion after a clash of heads with a team-mate.
Jude Bellingham got England off the mark in this World Cup with a soaring header from Luke Shaw’s cross 10 minutes before the break and the game was wrapped up before half-time thanks to Saka’s fine strike and Raheem Sterling’s classy volley with the outside of his foot from Harry Kane’s cross.
Iran’s supporters were given a moment of real delight when Mehdi Taremi scored a fine goal after 65 minutes but it only produced a ruthless response from England as Saka scored his second and substitute Marcus Rashford scored with his first involvement – both smooth, composed strikes.
To put the gloss on an incredibly dominant display, Jack Grealish slotted home from close range after a good run and pull back by Callum Wilson.
-BBC
In other news – Things you didn’t know about Amapiano pioneer, DJ Sumbody
Condolences have been pouring in since the sad news of the untimely passing of Amapiano pioneer and businessman DJ Sumbody.
According to a statement from his management, Sumsounds Music, the Ayepyep musician — whose real name is Oupa John Sefoka — died in the early hours of Sunday morning, 20 November. Although his management has refrained from revealing his cause of death due to an ongoing police investigation, Learn More
